ABINGTON Pa. — A nationally known expert in diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) questioned, inspired and challenged Penn State Abington students to raise their awareness of and their confidence in educating others on the subject. Justin Brown encouraged them to view DEI as vital to their careers and to incorporate it into their portfolio of life skills.
“This is who employers are looking for, people who can create safe spaces for themselves and others by developing intentional relationships,” he said.
The author and educator presented his high-energy, action-oriented Diversity Awareness Program in the Lares Student Union Building on campus. He used creative ice breakers and question-based games to drive home his points while keeping the mood light for the 35 students who attended.
“You need to go beyond what you see and make the most of your opportunities in college. Break barriers. Let’s face it, you could have stayed home if you wanted to stick with the same people,” Brown said.
He called on the students to assess their own feelings about discussing DEI within and outside their circle of family, friends and community.
“Are you uncomfortable talking about diversity? It’s understandable because it could lead to conflict, and it calls for skills not many of us have mastered,” he said.
Avoidance comes from fear of misspeaking, sounding racist or unintentionally doing harm, he explained, but everyone has their own story. Your background isn’t important. It’s your lived experiences and how you identify with and process them, he said.
“Don’t argue. Ask questions. Seek clarity, offer alternative perspectives, speak your truth, find common ground, give yourself the time and space you need, and set boundaries,” Brown said while reminding the audience that even seemingly small interactions such as pronouncing a person’s name correctly makes a big impression.